This Gran Turismo Fan Mod Replaces Iconic Sports Cars from the ’90s with Pure Malaise.

      The Real Emile via YouTube

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      Gran Turismo 2 is approaching its 26th anniversary, but it's only in recent years that fans have fully embraced modding support. Nowadays, innovative modders can not only add new cars but also design new race events and completely transform the experience of one of the greatest racing games of all time. While it's not strictly necessary to make these changes, when they result in entertaining concepts like “GT2: Beige Edition,” it’s certainly worth exploring.

      Beige Edition is a mod currently being developed, although it has no specific release date. A teaser trailer released by the small team behind it announces “over 330 brand new cars from more than 50 manufacturers,” along with “150 trim and model updates” to existing cars in the game, since GT2 already features a significant amount of uninspiring vehicles. It also promises an updated career mode, redesigned menus, new additions like a universal used-car dealer (GT2 comes from an era of early Gran Turismo games where used car dealers were brand-specific and only included Japanese cars), and even a new soundtrack for races.

      While I believe the team working on this mod possesses considerable talent, many mods begin development but never reach completion, so I hope this one eventually makes it to the finish line. I share this not only because it’s a humorous idea but also because the announcement trailer is well-produced, cleverly referencing something that long-time Gran Turismo fans will surely recognize. You can watch it below:

      Do the music and those scenes ring a bell? No? Then check out this trailer:

      That’s the intro video for Gran Turismo on the PSP. Although the Beige Edition version isn’t an exact replica, it is quite faithful and comedically so. For instance, the headlight close-up typically reserved for a Nissan GT-R is instead given to a Chrysler PT Cruiser. And rather than seeing a Mercedes SLR McLaren leading a lineup of utterly ordinary vehicles that includes a Pontiac Montana, a Vauxhall Cavalier is now showcased in that role.

      It’s genuinely entertaining. In fact, one could argue that some cars, like the Mk IV Toyota Supra and “New Edge” Ford Mustang, might be a bit too thrilling for this lineup. Plymouth Voyagers and Buick Roadmasters seem more fitting—which, coincidentally, Beige Edition aims to incorporate. If this mod is eventually released in some form, at some level of completeness, I’ll be eager to check it out. I mean, how many racing games can boast the inclusion of a Kia Pride?

      The Real Emile via YouTube

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